IN OUR TOWNS

HARTFORD - Two city men have pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from their involvement in a Hartford-based drug trafficking organization, Connecticut's U.S. Attorney Kevin J. O'Connor said.

Luis Ramos, 40, of Barbour Street, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Christopher F. Droney to one count of conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base ("crack" cocaine), according to a press release from O'Connor's office.

Robert Stewart, 31, of Nelson Street, pleaded guilty to two counts of using a telephone to facilitate the distribution of more than 500 grams of cocaine, the press release said.

The pair were charged after a six-month investigation by the Northern Connecticut Violent Crimes Task Force that led to the indictment of 13 defendants, as well as the seizure of several vehicles, firearms, about $20,000 in cash and significant quantities of narcotics, according to the release.

Ramos, who also is known as "Carlos" and "Papi," will be sentenced June 13. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum term of life in prison.

Stewart, to be sentenced June 3, faces a maximum of eight years in prison.

Public Works Director Chosen

- The common council on Wednesday voted 14-0 to hire Mark Moriarty as the city's public works director.

Moriarty, who has worked for the city for about two years, has served as the acting public works director after Clarence Corbin stepped down in late 2006. Moriarty was one of two finalists interviewed for the position. He will earn $111,459 a year

$200,000 Grant Expected

AREAWIDE - The Northeast Connecticut Economic Alliance is set to receive a $200,000 state grant to assist in its economic development and business assistance programs in the state's northeast corner, Sen. President Pro Tempore Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn, said Wednesday.

The alliance is a nonprofit organization that provides business development resources to existing and start-up, small- and medium-size manufacturing and service companies seeking to expand, improve diversity, retain business or improve operations. It serves Windham County's 21 towns.

The grant is expected to be approved when the State Bond Commission meets Friday, Williams said.

Two Arrested In Gym Theft

MIDDLETOWN - City police officers Tuesday evening nabbed a woman who they said had rifled through lockers at the WOW Gym, 840 Washington St., and swiped an iPod and a purse.

Detectives were looking into whether Emilie F. Wood, 23, of Orange, was linked to at least one other previous theft at the gym.

Wood ran away after she was confronted by people at the gym, and was chased and caught by patrol officers. She was charged with two counts of sixth-degree larceny and interfering with police officers.

A companion, Jordon P. Beauchemin, 20, of 531 Ridge Road, was also arrested after a foot chase. He was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny, possession of drug paraphernalia - two hypodermic needles - and interfering with a police officer.

Wood and Beauchemin were being held, with bail set at $25,000 for each.

Brothers Face Charges

MIDDLEFIELD - State police arrested two brothers Tuesday on multiple criminal charges related to thefts from motor vehicles during January and February and an attempt to intimidate a witness earlier this month.

Daniel Henderson, 25, of Southington, was arrested on court warrants and charged with theft of credit cards, illegal use of credit cards, third-degree forgery and sixth-degree larceny. Craig Henderson, 23, of Middlefield, was arrested on court warrants and charged with conspiracy to commit intimidation of a witness, conspiracy to commit third-degree criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit first-degree reckless endangerment, conspiracy to commit unlawful discharge of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Both men were released on $5,000 bonds for an April 8 appearance in Superior Court in Middletown.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Moderator To Meet Public

SIMSBURY - Joel Mandell, moderator of the annual town meeting, will hold public office hours on April 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. at town hall, 933 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury.